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Application Requirements

For students in the United States applying to the College of Arts and Sciences as high school seniors. Separate application requirements apply to home schooled students and to international students. If you are considering applying as a high school junior, please read this important information. The College of Arts & Sciences does not require an application fee.

We encourage you to let us know of your interest in applying to Oberlin as early as possible, so that we may follow up with you regarding important dates and requirements. To declare your intention to apply to Oberlin prior to your submission of the Common Application, complete the optional Application Part I.

Required Items

We cannot begin reviewing your application until we have received all required components.

Common Application

Writing Supplement to the Common Application

The required Oberlin writing supplement asks for response to the prompt: Oberlin is a place of intense energy and creativity, built on a foundation of academic, artistic, and musical excellence. With its longstanding commitments to access, diversity, and inclusion, Oberlin is the ideal laboratory in which to study and design the world we want. What does your Oberlin look like? We recommend submitting the Writing Supplement as soon as possible after submission of the Common App.

Secondary School Report and High School Transcript

To be completed and sent by your guidance counselor. Available for online completion or download through the Common App website.

SAT or ACT Score Results

We accept either the SAT or ACT Plus Writing. For the SAT, we consider your highest scores in Critical Reading, Math and Writing, even if they were earned on different test dates. We require either an official score report from the testing agency or the inclusion of your test scores on your high school transcript.

Teacher Evaluation (2)

We require two academic teacher evaluations. Forms are available for online completion or download through the Common App website.

Recommended Items

We recommend the following items as valuable ways for you to share more information about yourself and your academic qualifications. We encourage you to complete these items, but will give your application equal consideration without them.

Interview

Interviews allow us to learn more about you, and provide you with the opportunity to learn more about Oberlin. They are available on and off campus. For more information, please visit the interview page.

Optional Items

If you would like to include additional materials to supplement your application, we will accept the following items.

Additional Recommendations

Two recommendations are usually sufficient, but you are welcome to submit an additional letter of recommendation if it will provide relevant information not found in your academic teacher recommendations.

Arts Supplements

Supplemental materials are not sent to faculty members for review, but you are welcome to submit them to highlight for the admissions committee a special accomplishment, talent, or interest. Please review the Submission Guidelines. Materials not submitted in accordance with the guidelines will not be reviewed.

Early Decision Agreement

Required for all students applying Early Decision. Must include parent and guidance counselor signatures. Available for online completion or download through the Common App website.

SAT II Subject Test Score Results

If you take any SAT II subject exams, you may send us your scores.

Science Research

If you have been involved in significant scientific research, you are welcome to submit a research abstract or resume to highlight your accomplishments. If you participated in mentored research, you are encouraged to request an additional recommendation letter from a research mentor who has been personally involved in your work.

Unless otherwise noted, all materials may be submitted online through the Common App website, mailed to the Office of Admissions, 101 N. Professor St, Oberlin, OH 44074, or faxed to 440-775-6905.

Did You Now

Did You Know - Creativity and Leadership

Oberlin College launched a Creativity and Leadership Project in 2006 as part of a multidisciplinary effort designed to provide students with opportunities to put their innovative ideas into practice. The project reflects Oberlin’s musical and artistic excellence, its rigorous liberal arts curriculum, and its longstanding commitment to preparing students for leadership and civic engagement. It is open to students of any major or interest and prepares them for the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.